Melissa Hawtin cruised to an incredible victory in the senior women’s race as the Oxford Mail Cross Country League began at Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday.

The 15-year-old, who was running as a guest, blitzed the field to win by a massive margin of 46 seconds, a remarkable achievement for the Oxford City junior.

Hawtin led from gun to tape in a biting north-easterly wind to cross the line in 18mins 54secs, well clear of Team Kennet’s Rachel Elliott, won was second overall, but first in the senior women’s category.

Ironically, Hawtin will be unable to claim any prizes this year, as she is an under 17 running in the senior women’s competition, but she proved that she is a class above with this stunning victory.

White Horse Harrier Fra-nces Briscoe was second senior lady, clocking 19.56, with Helen Barnes third in 20.11.

Team Kennet were the first team victors of the season in the women’s competition, comfortably defeating Head-ington Roadrunners, with Sue Francis and Helen Preedy also finishing in the top ten.

As expected, Steve Kimber dominated the men’s race as the defending champion eased home.

Kimber clocked 30.41 to beat nearest rival, Marc Fallows, by almost a minute.

Alchester’s Nigel Marley was third home in 31.37.

Headington landed a comprehensive team victory, beating Abingdon Amblers into second place by a huge margin of 164 points.

In the junior age groups, Oxford City again stole the show with a number of victories.

Debutant Nat Jones clocked 3.28 to win the under 11 boys’ race, while in the under 13 girls’ event, the youngest member of the Hawtin family, Beth, won the race in 7.21.

She was well-supported by teammates Imogen van Zyl and Mya Walker, who finished sixth and eighth respectively to take the team to a two-point victory over Swindon Harriers.

Imogen Kempton landed first place in the combined under 15/17 girls’ event, clocking 13.50.

She was followed closely home by teammate Jade Walker, who finished second in 13.56.

With Ellie Clarke-Jacques crossing the line fifth in 14.42, City’s girls took first place.

Elsewhere for City, Josh Tack finished third in the under 13 boys’ race, which was won by Banbury Harrier Thomas Beigel.

City won the team prize, with White Horse Harriers finishing third, thanks to good performances from Zac Oliffe, Toby Bellerby and Dom Banham.

In the combined under 15/17 event, Newbury’s Marcus Bridger-Wilkinson won the race in 17.26.

Radley’s George Miller finished second and Banbury Harriers’ Josh Simmonds third.

The team prize was jointly won by Newbury and Radley, with Abingdon Amblers third.